TriPeaks Solitaire (Tri Peaks) is a single-deck game with three overlapping "peaks" of cards. Cards are laid out so that only some are uncovered. You build a waste pile by playing a card that is one rank higher or lower than the current waste card (Ace can wrap to King and vice versa in many versions). Only uncovered cards can be played. When you have no move, draw from the stock. Your goal is to clear all cards from the three peaks.
Tri Peaks is fast and intuitive: great for short sessions. This version uses the same dark-green theme and Spanish-style cards as our Golf Solitaire. Play free — no download or signup.
Tri Peaks was created by Robert Hogue and became widely known when it was included in Microsoft Solitaire Collection and other digital packs. The three-peak layout and the "one up or one down" rule make it easy to learn and addictive to play.
It's sometimes called Tri Towers or Three Peaks. The game has become a staple of online solitaire sites and mobile card games.
Cards are arranged in three overlapping peaks (triangles). Each peak has several rows. Only cards that are not covered by another card are "in play." The bottom row of the layout is fully exposed at the start.
Play a card from the layout onto the waste pile if it is exactly one rank higher or lower than the current waste card. For example, if the waste shows a 7, you can play a 6 or an 8. Suit doesn't matter. In some versions Ace links to King.
You may only play cards that are not covered. When you remove a card, the cards it was covering become available. Clearing the bottom row is the first step to reaching the cards above.
When no layout card can be played, draw the next card from the stock. That card becomes the new waste card. You can then continue playing from the layout if any card is one higher or lower.
The waste pile shows the card you're "building from." Every card you play from the layout goes on the waste and becomes the new target for the next play. Plan which card you want on top to maximize options.
You win when all cards from the three peaks are cleared to the waste. You lose when the stock is empty and no legal move remains. Strategy and order of play matter — clear peaks to open new cards.
Use these tips to clear the peaks more often:
Don't focus on one peak only. Work across all three so you have the widest choice of cards. A card in one peak might be the only play that keeps the game going.
If you have two possible plays, prefer the one that uncovers more new cards. More options mean a better chance when you draw from the stock.
The waste card determines what you can play next. If you have a choice of moves, think about which waste card will let you play more layout cards (e.g. 7 gives you 6 and 8).
Extremes (Ace, King) only connect to one rank. Middle ranks connect to two. When possible, leave a flexible rank on the waste.
You have a limited number of stock cards. Before drawing, look at every uncovered card to see if any match the current waste. It's easy to miss a play.
Sometimes drawing early gives you a better waste card and unlocks several moves. Other times it's better to clear as much as you can first. It depends on the layout.
Bottom-row cards block the ones above. Clearing the base of a peak opens the next row. Try to keep all three peaks "moving" so you don't run out of moves in one area.
If one peak is almost clear, finishing it can free a lot of cards at once. But don't ignore the others — balance is usually best.
No downloads. Open the page and play Tri Peaks in seconds. Works in any modern browser.
Fully responsive. Play on phone, tablet, or desktop with the same comfortable theme.
TriPeaks is free with no paywalls. We also offer Golf, Spider, FreeCell, Klondike, Pyramid, Yukon, and Forty Thieves on the same site.